I've learned to simplify my packing so that I can get out of the house in time to catch my flight. Invariably, you will be pressed for time, but you don't want to forget the essentials.

• __ Stick to the basics.__ If you're going somewhere summery and warm, bring clothing that is light and versatile enough to work well during the day or night. To make it easy to mix and match items, I stay in a white color palette, but any neutral shade will do. For a four-day weekend, I take a pair of Habitual jeans, a fitted blazer, a pair of slim pants, four cotton C&C T-shirts, narrow-cut Bermuda shorts (great with heels or flats), and a fine-gauge cotton cardigan. Packing tissue paper between layers of clothing in your suitcase helps eliminate creases.

• __ Add accessories.__ In a separate lingerie bag, tuck your bathing suits and beach cover-ups. I try to limit myself to three pairs of shoes since they take up so much space: Nike sneakers to wear on the plane, wedge espadrilles, and gold flats for nights out. And a thin trench is a great travel coat since you never know when it may rain.

• __ Downsize makeup.__ Don't bother with a hair-dryer or an adapter, because the hotel will have that. Instead, bring travel-size toiletries along with some simple makeup that multitasks: I take concealer, creamy blush that doubles as color for eyes, black mascara, and lip gloss with a rosy tint (I wear the same day or night). And fragrance—I always pack For Her by Narciso Rodriguez, regardless of the space it takes. It's something familiar that I wear wherever I go.

• __ Shop around.__ One of my favorite things to do when I travel is track down a local bazaar and buy unusual jewelry there, rather than bringing a lot of pieces from home. I went to Bangkok recently and found these great faux-gold cuff bracelets—I used elements of them in my resort collection. And the reward for packing so well is that you'll have some extra room in your suitcase to bring home these treasures.